The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Dr. Ugo Magnus Kel, on Saturday joined his principal and Presidential candidate of ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other top party leaders to pay final respects to the late mother of the ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers state.

Dr Ugo’s attendance was a powerful display of party solidarity and personal loyalty.

He described late Dame Mary Orduah Amaechi was as a devout Christian, community pillar, and matriarch whose values of faith, service, and family shaped her children.

The Ebonyi Central senatorial candidate noted that Amaechi’s mother would be remembered for her enduring legacies and positive impacts to her family and society at large.

According to Dr Ugo Magnus “Late Dame Mary Orduah Amaechi was a woman of substance whose legacies and positive impacts to the society live forever. She will be remembered for her generosity and succour to all. I pray God to bless her soul”.

“My appearance with Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and other ADC leaders at the event reinforced the party’s image of internal unity as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections. Standing with my principal in Rivers State sent a clear signal of loyalty and collective purpose at a critical time in the party’s national journey”.

Dr. Ugo Magnus Kel’s presence at the funeral highlighted the expanding footprint of the ADC in the South-East and the commitment of its emerging candidates to the party’s national leadership.

Ugo’s long-standing advocate for educational empowerment through his foundation, Kel, has positioned himself as a fresh voice focused on human capital development and institutional building in Ebonyi Central.

The funeral service for Dame Mary Orduah Amaechi (also known as Dame Ezinne Orduah Amaechi), who died on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89, was held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The solemn ceremony attracted a distinguished array of political figures, family members, and associates from across the country.

Leading the ADC contingent was Atiku Abubakar, who attended alongside his wife, Titi Abubakar. Also present were ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and several other senior party officials, underscoring the growing cohesion within the ADC ranks.

Other notable dignitaries at the service included former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami; former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed; former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha; Great Ogboru; Senator Ireti Kingibe; and Senator Tunde Ogbeha, among several serving and former legislators and political stakeholders.

In a statement issued by the party, the ADC leadership described the attendance as a gesture of support for Amaechi and his family during their period of mourning. The party said its leaders and candidates were in Rivers State “to pay their final respects and stand with the Amaechi family in their time of grief.”

During the funeral Mass, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, called on political leaders to prioritise peace and the protection of the vulnerable.

He reminded the congregation of the fleeting nature of life and urged office holders to ensure that the pursuit of power does not destroy communities or religion.

In his vote of thanks, Rotimi Amaechi expressed profound gratitude to the political leaders, friends, and associates who travelled from different parts of Nigeria and beyond to honour his mother, noting that their solidarity brought comfort to the family